‘Rat run’ speed danger fears in Sabden

Sabden residents have voiced their concerns that the main roads through the village are fast becoming traffic “rat runs”.

Fears have been voiced about speeds on Padiham Road and Clitheroe Road, but villagers have said Whalley Road is also affected.

After meetings with Lancashire County Council over the past few years, local parish councillors have made suggestions as to how the problem could be addressed and a speed indicator device (SPID) has now been installed on Padiham Road.

Coun. Tony Haworth, chairman of Sabden parish council, said: “The SPID seems to be having a certain amount of effect, but this may change as drivers get used to it being there.

“We have suggested a small traffic island at the main junction of Whalley and Clitheroe Road and an illuminated crossing for the children on their way to and from school, but the suggestions have never been taken up by LCC.

“Traffic is busy from 5 to 10 am and in the late afternoon as the route is used as a speedier one through to the Burnley area from the Ribble Valley.”

Ray Bennett, principal engineer for LCC, said: “We are working with the police and our colleagues in road safety to coordinate our response to the concerns about speeding through Sabden. We have experienced some success in reducing vehicle speeds through the use of speed indicator devices and will monitor the impact of the device which has recently been installed.”